Petition Shows Support For The American Veteran Charged With Smashing Window To Save Small Dog Trapped In Hot Car

ByBonnie Brae

The dog was trapped in the hot car. (Photo Credit: 11Alive)

In Athens, GA a dog owner was shopping in a store as concerned citizens took notice of the small dog she had left outside in her hot car, and called authorities. All the windows were up and people were worried about the little dog trapped in the hot car. The car was in shade but the little dog was clearly in distress and feeling the heat. Even a car parked in shade can get deadly hot on a warm day very quickly. Then Michael Hammons arrived, unable to watch another living thing suffer, he smashed the window and freed the dog.

The car owner demanded that he be arrested. (Photo Credit: 11Alive)

When the dog owner returned, she was upset and demanded the Desert Storm Veteran be arrested. She claims she was only inside for a few minutes but witnesses say it was much longer. Hammons used the leg rest from his wife’s wheelchair to smash the window and save the little pup from more suffering.

Hammons is a hero in every way. (Photo Credit: 11Alive)

Hammons stands by his actions and says he would do it all again in an instant.

He told local news station WXIA-TV, “I’ve seen enough death and destruction and I didn’t want anything else to happen if I can prevent it.”

The police had no desire to arrest the vet but were forced to comply with the dog owner’s wishes to arrest Hammons and press charges.

This event has also highlighted the need to change laws around the country to protect animals. Local animal lovers have stepped forward to help Hammons’ family with any costs incurred from the incident. His lawyer is representing him pro bono.

Current Georgia law says you can smash a window to save a person, but not a dog and animal lovers say, “That’s just not right.”

Right now there are 17 states with laws against leaving an animal in a car unattended.